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[Instructor] Welcome to your guide to breast augmentation.
Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself
with the procedure and what you can do
to help improve your results.
Remember, this presentation does not take the place
of your consultation,
and you should make sure to jot down any questions
you may want to ask us later.
Breast augmentation or augmentation mammoplasty
is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures,
chosen by almost 300,000 women a year.
This procedure can improve the contour of your breasts
by increasing their size, enhancing their shape,
correcting proportional imbalances, and improving firmness.
Physically healthy women with realistic expectations
may be able to improve their body proportions,
and achieve a greater sense
of self-confidence and femininity.
Procedure.
There are a number of different options
to help tailor your procedure to your specific needs,
like the size and style of the implant.
Your goals and physical proportions
such as the width of your chest wall,
anatomy of your chest muscles and ribs,
amount of existing breast tissue,
and subcutaneous fat will affect the size, shape,
and type of implant that's best for you.
Other issues to discuss may include your plans
for future pregnancy, breastfeeding, mammograms,
and your family history of breast cancer.
If your breasts are saggy, a breast lift may be recommended
in conjunction with augmentation.
You may have a choice between saline-filled implants
and silicone gel-filled implants.
Both implant types have positive features
and possible drawbacks.
For example, saline implants usually require
a smaller incision, but may feel firmer
than some women would like.
Leakage of silicone from the gel implants can be a concern,
but silicone implants are considered by most
to have a more natural look and feel.
We will help you decide which type of implant
is the right choice for you.
Both types of implants are available in many sizes,
but did you know they come in different shapes as well?
Implants can either be round or anatomical,
often called teardrop shape.
And may be smooth or textured on the surface.
All breast implants that are approved by the FDA
are made of materials that have been researched
and are deemed safe for placement in the human body.
How will your breast augmentation be performed?
The incision can be made in several different locations.
Within the breast crease,
which is called an inframammary incision.
Just at or slightly above the crease beneath the breast.
Around the areola known as Periareolar,
where the incision is hidden by the change in texture
and color around the edges of the areola.
Under the arm in the transaxillary position,
which allows the incision to be hidden
in the hollow of the armpit.
And the belly button,
using the trans-umbilical, TUBA approach.
The incision is made within the navel, belly button,
and the empty ceiling implant is placed
in the proper position using an endoscope
before being filled to the proper size.
The implant will be placed either below
your pectoralis muscle called sub-muscular
or above it, sub-glandular placement,
depending on your unique anatomy.
In both cases, the implant will be below
your existing breast tissue.
We will discuss the options and together decide
what is right for you.
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Preparation.
Every woman has a unique perspective
on what may be the best shape and size for her breast.
And your goals will affect the way
your breast augmentation is performed.
It is important to discuss your desires and listen closely,
so that you can set realistic expectations.
A great result can only be achieved
when there is good communication between us.
You also need to understand that the shape you have
before surgery will partially determine the shape
you have after surgery.
Together, we will select the technique, implant,
and size that will provide the best result for you.
When you meet with our patient coordinator,
we will discuss fees and costs.
Some suggestions to help you prepare for surgery.
Your safety matters to us.
You should be very open.
Provide all your medical history, drug allergies,
list any previous surgeries or biopsies,
medications, diet pills, vitamins, and herbs you're taking,
even if you don't think they're important.
Also, don't be afraid to be frank with us
about your lifestyle.
Smoking, the strenuousness of the work you perform,
your exercise habits,
and the importance of getting back to work.
Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring,
shorten your recovery time,
and decrease your chances of complications.
Discontinue using aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen,
St. John's wort, and vitamin E
for one to two weeks before
and a few days after your procedure.
These act as blood thinners and could cause problems
with blood clotting.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol in excess
while in advance of your breast augmentation,
and for one week after surgery.
Drink lots of water in the days
leading up to your breast augmentation.
Hydration will help you recover more quickly.
To make your recovery easier and more comfortable,
Be sure to arrange for someone to take you home,
and take care of you for at least the first day or two,
Fill your prescriptions before your surgery date,
and have them within easy reach
of where you will be resting.
Place plenty of pillows or a bed wedge nearby
so that you can keep your back elevated.
Have several loose-fitting button down blouses
ready to wear in your new breast size.
Recovery.
Immediately after surgery, you may have a feeling
of fullness in the breasts.
The greatest period of discomfort
usually lasts no longer than a few days after surgery.
You should also expect some bruising, swelling,
and pain for the first week or two.
There may be stitches that will be removed
after a week or 10 days.
Others will naturally be absorbed
by the body over a period of time.
Swelling may linger for as long as one to two months.
Pain medication will be prescribed
to control any discomfort.
However, if you begin to have severe pain,
shortness of breath, or an unusual heartbeat,
contact us immediately.
Depending upon where your implants are placed,
you may notice that your breasts appear unnatural
for the first few days after surgery.
With much of your breast mound high on your chest
or above your nipples.
This is common due to the tightness of your chest muscles.
It may take several weeks to months
for your tissues to relax and for the implants
to assume their long-term position.
To help in this process, you may be instructed
to do some massaging exercises or wear an elastic band.
Make sure you follow instructions carefully
to assure the best possible result.
The recovery process is different for everyone,
but within a day of your breast augmentation,
you should be up and walking around.
Although we suggest that you should plan
on being out of work and away from your usual activities
for the first week,
you may find that you are ready to return to some activities
after four or five days.
For the next two or three weeks,
your breasts may be very sensitive,
and strenuous physical activities
including sex should be limited.
In the six weeks after surgery,
your body will be making a capsule around your implants.
Upper extremity exercises and activities
can gradually be increased during this period,
but it is important not to overdue
or take part in strenuous activities,
so that the capsules heal well.
While there will be permanent scars,
they will be well hidden when you're wearing clothing,
and even when you're wearing a swimsuit.
The scars are usually small and become difficult to see
as they heal over time.
The appearance of your breast should improve
over a period of several months.
Final results vary from woman to woman
and can be long lasting.
However, implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime,
and pregnancies and aging can affect longevity.
What are some of the risks of breast augmentation?
This information is not intended to frighten you
but to help you make an informed decision.
No question or concern is silly or insignificant.
We will be happy to discuss
the full range of potential complications,
and answer any question you might have
regarding this procedure.
Though breast augmentation is a well-established surgical
procedure, there are risks of complications.
Just as in any operation, bleeding, infection,
and scar formation can occur.
Asymmetry in size and decrease
or loss of nipple sensation are possible.
Capsular contracture formation
which results in firm breasts is a complication.
Though its occurrence is less common
due to newer techniques.
In a small percentage of patients,
additional surgery may be necessary to correct this problem.
All women should start routine mammogram screening
by the age of 40 or earlier
if there is a family history of cancer.
Be sure to let your technician know
that you have breast implants.
As with all medical procedures,
be sure to choose your surgeon wisely.
It is important to choose an experienced surgeon
you can trust and develop a good rapport with
so you can openly discuss your concerns and particular needs
throughout the process of consultation, surgery,
and aftercare.
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Should you decide to move forward
with your breast augmentation,
a surgery date will be scheduled.
Prior to surgery, you will be giving
complete printed preparation and recovery instructions.
Remember to keep your follow-up visits,
as we are here to help make this
a wonderful experience for you.
Feel free to review any part of this presentation you like,
and be sure to take a look at our before and after gallery
to get a better idea of the results you may achieve.
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